Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases have been recorded of severe rheumatic side effects from the use of acne tablets containing the drug minocycline. [28347]
§ Mr. SackvilleSince the introduction of minocycline in 1973, 119 cases of rheumatic symptoms suspected as associated with minocycline have been reported through the United Kingdom's spontaneous adverse drug reaction scheme. A report of a suspected adverse reaction does not necessarily mean that it was caused by the drug. Rheumatic reactions are a well-recognised side effect of minocycline, but are uncommon in relation to the wide usage of the product.
The majority of the patients experienced transient joint pains which resolved when minocycline was stopped. Systemic lupus erythematosus, a multi-system condition which may present with severe joint pains, was reported in 39W 13 cases. The current product information for minocycline provided to doctors includes joint pain and SLE as side effects.